A Review and Update on Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Don't underestimate the amount of strain we ask our horses to place on their musculoskeletal systems. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief
As a horse propels himself toward a jump, he shifts his weight backward, gathers his hind end, and with a smooth propulsive motion extends his hind limbs, releasing amassed energy that launches his half-ton body into the air. He curls his fore and hind limbs toward his body, then transitions into landing by protracting his shock-absorbing forelimbs.

This athletic move—among others—is a massive coordinated feat, straining the hind tendons during launch and the forelimb tendons and associated ligaments at landing. It’s no wonder tendon and ligament injuries comprise up to 46% of sport horse injuries, says Nick Huggons, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, surgeon and co-owner of San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, in Bonsall, California.

In this article we’ll discuss three common types of tendon and ligament injuries and how veterinarians treat them.

Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Injury

Tendons are bands of dense connective tissue tying muscle to bone or cartilage. These structures are designed to passively transfer force across joints or provide movement. The horse’s digital flexor tendons have evolved to store energy, absorb shock, and support weight-bearing joints

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